From left: PC Wong, CIP Tse and PC Tam

Ready......action......roll it!

Many aspiring film-makers wish to see their ideas produced into films for the silver screen. But for Chief Inspector Tse Yiu-tak and Police Constables Wong Chi-ho (Ah Ho) and Marco Tam Siu-ming, who have dubbed themselves "The Filming Trio", their dream is to capture real-life Police officers' on celluloid.

They originally joined forces in 1998 when CIP Tse was the Western District Training and Staff Relations Officer.

"I found the content and the presentation of the routine District Bulletin rather old-fashioned and suggested turning it into a film and screening it for members of the Force on Training Days.

"After gaining approval from Western District Commander Barry Griffin, I approached Ah Ho as we had worked together in Central District and I knew that he was studying film production. He later asked Marco to join us because he had enrolled in an acting course before joining the Force.

"Our debut production was such a success that after the premiere screening we were asked by many districts and formations to produce films for them," Ah Ho said.

"We have maintained a close relationship through our enthusiasm for film production for more than three years. I work as the director and script-writer and CIP Tse, our producer, oversees the overall production, while Marco is responsible for coaching the actors," Ah Ho added.

Compared with other commercial production houses, the resources and equipment they have at their disposal are rather limited. However, they believe that originality, a good script and the participants' enthusiasm are the most important elements of any successful film.

In order to guarantee they gain the support of their audiences, they portray their message as a modern-day drama with both humourous elements and a human touch as boring, sermon-like films do not hold people's attention. Besides, they put a lot of effort into researching topics that will be of interest to their specific audiences.

CIP Tse said: "We have produced films on topics as varied as financial management and health-impaired officers and our colleagues liked them very much. We are now considering some new themes, such as Internet activities, for our future productions."

Ah Ho stressed that the films they produce project a more realistic image of today's policemen. "With so many frontline officers in our crew, we know how to express the inner feelings they experience on the job in our films."

Marco said: "Although crew members have different views, we iron out differences through discussion and compromise. We can actually learn a lot from each other during the filming production process."

Producing films has also helped "The Filming Trio" make lots of friends in the Force. Over 20 colleagues have already joined them and they said they would readily welcome any other film enthusiasts who may consider approaching them. Officers interested may contact Ah Ho on 7928-5229.

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